‘When researching what is understood of the land-based sector, career prospects and earning potential, we found that people had little knowledge of the range of careers available, and where a degree from an agricultural University or college could lead them,’ said Jeremy Kerswell, Principal, Plumpton College.

‘We are keen to attract more students into the sector; and challenge some of the perceptions people have about land based courses only suiting students who have grown up in the countryside.’

One of the first joint initiatives will be a summer school for A-level and college students, hosted at the RAU to raise awareness about land-based programmes.

‘We know that the [agricultural] sector is going to need at least 595,000 highly skilled new entrants to meet current demand,’ said professor Joanna Price, Vice-Chancellor, Royal Agricultural University.